RiverDogs Tip Caps to Negro League Baseball

CHARLESTON, SC - The Charleston RiverDogs are pleased to announce the schedule for their annual Salute to Negro League Baseball Night on Saturday, June 5, when the team hosts the Rome Braves to begin a four-game series at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.

The RiverDogs, in conjunction with the United State Post Office and NAACP, will be unveiling a new stamp series commemorating Negro League Baseball. The two 44-cent stamps feature scenes painted by Kadir Nelson, celebrating the all-black professional baseball leagues as well as Andrew "Rube" Foster, the founder of the Negro National League.

The celebration is set to include appearances by the 1955 Cannon Street All-Star Team and former Negro League players Carl Long and Clifford Layton, as well as the Lawrence A. Holt Memorial Scholarship Award announcement.

In honor of their 55^th Anniversary, the 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars will be introduced prior to Saturday's game, which is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. The 1955 Cannon Street All Stars were a group of African-American youngsters who were barred from playing in any little league postseason tournaments because of a boycott by the area's all-white leagues.

 

Despite not appearing in any local, state and regional tournaments, American Little League Baseball declared the Cannon Street All-Stars champions by forfeit; however, the team was not allowed to compete for a national title due to the fact that they had not advanced to the national tournament through on-field victories. To this day, the team is recognized for its contributions to America's Pastime and helping to level the playing field for players of all colors in Little League and beyond.

 

The RiverDogs are also welcoming former Negro League players Carl Long and Clifford Layton to the park for part of the celebration. Long began his Negro League career in 1951 at age 16 with the Nashville Stars. The Rock Hill, S.C. native joined the Black Barons in 1952, where he played alongside icons like Willie Mays, Charlie Pride, Ernie Banks and Frank Robinson.

 

A right-handed pitcher through his career, Clifford Layton stood on the mound for the Indianapolis Clowns from 1951-1953 then the New York Black Yankees in 1954. The Dunn, N.C. native took the field alongside Leroy "Satchel" Paige, Joe Black and Jackie Robinson.

 

The Lawrence A. Holt Memorial Scholarship Award is given annually to a college-bound graduating high school senior. Lawrence A. Holt was a star player for the Charleston American Little League squad as well as a leader in the community and the classroom. Holt's life was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer and died of a brain tumor shortly after his graduation from Garrett Academy. The recipient of the award will be recognized prior to Saturday's game. A silent auction will also be held to benefit the scholarship fund.

 

For more information on the RiverDogs' June 5 Salute to Negro League Baseball Night contact Harold Craw with the RiverDogs Front Office at (843) 723-7241.

 

The RiverDogs continue their four-game series against the Hickory Crawdads Thursday with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. For more information on tickets visit www.RiverDogs.com or call the RiverDogs box office at (843) 577-DOGS (3647).

 

-RIVERDOGS-